Viola Davis has decided to play Congresswoman Barbara Jordan in a movie based on the book Barbara Jordan: American Hero. She will also produce — along with her husband, Julius Tennon. Director Paris Barclay tellsVariety:

"We're hoping this becomes a movie that shows the world everything that Viola can do. People haven't seen everything that she's capable of, and this role is so powerful."

Plus, if she wins, it won't be for playing a maid. At left, a clip of Barbara Jordan giving the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in 1976. You can read the full text of the speech here, but this a great passage:

…We must look to the future. Let us heed the voice of the people and recognize their common sense. If we do not, we not only blaspheme our political heritage, we ignore the common ties that bind all Americans. Many fear the future. Many are distrustful of their leaders, and believe that their voices are never heard. Many seek only to satisfy their private work — wants; to satisfy their private interests. But this is the great danger America faces — that we will cease to be one nation and become instead a collection of interest groups: city against suburb, region against region, individual against individual; each seeking to satisfy private wants. If that happens, who then will speak for America? Who then will speak for the common good?